Schwinn 130 vs 170

In this article we are comparing the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike and the Schwinn 130 Upright Bike (MY20).

While they are both decent indoor cycling systems produced by Schwinn and share some similarities, they are also different from each other in key aspects.

Schwinn 170 boasts some advantages over Schwinn 130 when it comes to its resistance system, preset workouts, display window system and level of comfort among other things.

That is why we picked Schwinn 170 as the winner against Schwinn 130.

In our decision, we relied on users’ reviews, the specs of two models and our own experience with upright bikes. To see a more in depth analysis comparing Schwinn 130 and 170, keep on reading!

At A Glance

After reviewing the specifications and qualities of both bikes, we picked Schwinn 170 as the superior upright bike.

We picked 170 as the winner due to its higher number of magnetic resistance levels and workout programs, its dual blue backlit LCD display window system, extra comfort, higher number of user profiles and accessories.

First we start with the similarities the two models share. As you can see Schwinn 130 and Schwinn 170 are actually similar in a lot of ways. 

Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

 5/5

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Schwinn 130 Upright Bike

 4/5

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Similarities

Schwinn 130 Bike & Schwinn 170 Bike

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
• Drive System: High speed high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel
• Display Readouts: Time / RPM / Distance / Pulse / Speed / Calories / Resistance Level / Course Profile / Heart Rate Zone Indicator / % Complete Indicator / Intensity Meter / User Indicator / Goal Achievement
• Quick Keys: 10 for resistance
• Performance Tracking: Explore the World™ App
• Water Bottle Holder: Yes
• Media Shelf/Tablet Holder: Yes
• Display Units: Miles or Kilometers
• Transport Wheels: Yes
• Rear Stabilizers/Frame Levelers: 2 Integrated Levers
• Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Power Source: Plugs into any standard electrical wall outlet on a 110V-120V circuit. 120V 60Hz AC input; 1.5A output. 90-240V, 50-60Hz adapter included AC power adapter included
• Warranty: Frame: 10 years / Parts: 2 years / Electronics: 1 year / Labor: 90 days

Differences

Now let’s take a look at the differences between Schwinn 130 and Schwinn 170. We will go into some of these differences in detail to explain why they would/should have an impact on your decision making when picking between the models. 

Schwinn 130 vs 170 Comparison

Resistance Levels

One of the biggest differences between 130 and 170 is that 170 has 25 magnetic resistance levels whereas 130 has 16. When you have more resistance levels on your bike, you have a higher number of options when adjusting the difficulty of your ride.

For a more casual user who gets on the saddle just to get a sweat on every once in a while, the 16 levels of resistance 130 come with might be more than enough. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Schwinn 170 is superior.

The higher number of resistance levels on 170 makes your cycling experience more adjustable to your preference. That is why we picked Schwinn 170 as the winner of this category. 

Winner: Schwinn 170

Workout Programs

This is another key difference between the two models: Schwinn 170 comes with 29 workout programs and Schwinn 130 comes with only 13. These preset workouts and challenges are some of the biggest value drivers for Schwinn’s 130 and 170 indoor bikes.

A lot of bikers enjoy following a workout program when they go on the saddle and that’s why we wanted to include it as a category here.

If you are one of those bikers who like the convenience and structure of preset workouts, then 170 is the model to go with. 170’s workout programs include 2 fitness tests, 1 recovery test, 12 profiles, 9 heart rate control, 4 custom, and 1 quick start program.

More workout programs mean more diversity. You can go for different workouts on different days to challenge yourself and enjoy some variety in your workout. 

170 offers a wider range of workout programs (29 programs to be exact) compared to the 130 model, which offers only 13. 

Therefore Schwinn 170 is the winner of the Workout Programs category.

Winner: Schwinn 170

Display Screen

Schwinn 170 comes with a DualTrack™ two blue backlit LCD screen system whereas Schwinn 130 comes with a 5.5″ segmented LCD.

So 170 technically has two display screens, one smaller than the other, and both of its screens are blue backlit LCD. This makes it easier to read displays especially if you don’t have great lighting in the room compared to the screen on the 130 model, which isn’t backlit.

Due to the increased visibility Schwinn 170’s superior screen system offers, we have to declare it the winner of the Display Screen category.

Winner: Schwinn 170

Comfort

Schwinn 170 is more comfortable than the Schwinn 130 for a number of reasons, which we get into below:

Clearance

The Schwinn 170 allows for more clearance while pedaling thanks to its 3-piece pedal cranks compared to the 130’s 1-piece crank system. 

This additional clearance gives your legs more room and makes rides more comfortable.

Handlebar

Schwinn 170 comes with forearm rests on the handlebar and Schwinn 130 doesn’t. This is a welcome feature and a source of comfort especially if you put pressure on your upper body. That’s another + for 170 under the Comfort category.

Seat

Both models’ seats are fairly comfortable as far as padding goes. We just want to point out here that the seat on 170 can be adjusted forward or backward whereas the seat on 130 cannot. The seats on both models can be adjusted up or down.

Winner: Schwinn 170

Number of User Profiles

This is a pretty straightforward difference between the two models: Schwinn 170 can store up to 4 user profiles whereas Schwinn 130 can only store one.

This should make no difference if you will be the only person using your indoor bike but it is a plus if you intend to share it with other cyclists.

Winner: Schwinn 170

Accessories

Schwinn 170 comes with certain accessories Schwinn 130 doesn’t have, including an adjustable 3-speed fan, built-in USB charging port and a sound system.

Winner: Schwinn 170

Schwinn 130 vs 170: The Winner

After reviewing both models and their specifications, we picked Schwinn 170 as the winner against Schwinn 130. While both models are great upright bikes, once you do an in-depth analysis comparing the two it’s easy to see Schwinn 170 has some advantages over 130.

The main reasons we picked 170 as the winner include its higher number of magnetic resistance levels and workout programs, its dual blue backlit LCD display system, extra comfort, a higher number of user profiles and additional accessories we listed above.

Feel free to check out both of these bikes on Amazon (and order one for yourself if you feel so inclined) by following the links below:

• Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
• Schwinn 130 Upright Bike (MY20)